Pardew says that he hasn’t ruled such a thing out and should Liverpool – who have already qualified for Europe by winning the League Cup – beat Everton to reach the FA Cup final, Newcastle could well be going for the Champions League knowing full well at worst they’ll be in the Europa League next season.

He added: “I’ve never actually ruled it (Champions League) out. You guys keep saying me ‘are you going to make the Champions League?’ and I just keep saying we’re going out just to win our next game.

“I think this weekend will be important for us because if the semi-final results go our way, then I think we will be in Europe. If that works in our favour then really, there is nothing else there to go for.

“We’re up against Chelsea for this Champions League place. To not make Europe would be tough to take. You’ve got to keep your eye on the ball and we are not giving up on anything.”